Convertible top

ABSTRACT

A convertible top for an automotive vehicle is provided. This convertible top is coupled to the vehicle such that it moves between a raised operative position and a lowered storage position. When in the raised operative position, the convertible top covers the passenger compartment of the vehicle. When in the lowered storage position, the convertible top is stored in the rear seat area and is covered by a portion of the convertible top itself.

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/484,472,filed Jun. 7, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,202 which is a divisional ofSer. No. 08/000,398, filed Jan. 4, 1993, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.5,429,409.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to convertible tops for automotivevehicles and, more particularly, to a convertible top that is stored inthe rear passenger compartment of a vehicle.

Quite often, convertible vehicles are designed by adapting stock, hardtop vehicles to accommodate a basic convertible top design. Accordingly,convertible design often requires extensive redesigning of stocksuspension systems, passenger compartments, trunk compartments, etc.These design changes often involve undesirable trade-offs in order toaccommodate a convertible top assembly and a tonneau for storing theconvertible top. In fact, for some vehicles the trade-offs may be toogreat to permit an efficient convertible design. For example, with aunibody type construction, the rear suspension often utilizes strutsthat extend upwardly, well into portions of the body traditionally usedfor a tonneau space. Hence, when converting a unibody type constructionto a convertible vehicle, it is often necessary to completely redesignthe rear suspension system.

Another disadvantage of converting a stock vehicle to a convertiblevehicle is the loss of trunk and passenger space. Traditionalconvertible designs require a dedicated tonneau for storing theconvertible top in its lowered storage position. This tonneau is usuallylocated between the rear seats and the trunk causing a loss of storagespace and/or passenger space. Such losses are often an unacceptabletrade-off in exchange for the sporty look of a convertible vehicle,particularly in compact vehicles. Moreover, the tonneau requires aseparate cover or boot to conceal the folded top in its lowered storageposition.

In order to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, the convertibletop of the present invention is provided. This convertible top utilizesa number of unique concepts that not only reduce the above mentionednegative trade-offs, but also enhance the sporty look and utility of theconvertible vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention accomplishesthis without modifying the underlying design of the hard top, stockvehicle. For example, the convertible top of the present invention doesnot require a tonneau. Thus, this convertible top can be utilizedwithout modifying the rear suspension, the rear seats or the trunk ofthe vehicle. Rather, the convertible top of the present invention iscollapsed and lowered into a storage position within the rear passengercompartment. In addition, a portion of the convertible top serves as anintegral cover that conceals the convertible top within the rearpassenger compartment, thereby giving the vehicle the appearance of atwo-seater or roadster.

One embodiment of the convertible top of the present invention utilizesa plurality of rigid panels that serve this dual purpose of coveringportions of the entire passenger compartment in a raised operativeposition, while covering the rear passenger compartment in a loweredstorage position. By using rigid panels, the show surface of the covercan be matched to the vehicle show surface to enhance its appearance asa roadster. These rigid panels also provide the structure necessary forthe convertible top to support components such as dome lights, overheadconsoles and/or sunroofs, and to provide a three-dimensional contour tothe exterior surface of the vehicle.

Additional objects, advantages, and features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible vehicle with the top in araised operative position, depicting the convertible top utilizing aplurality of rigid panels in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating theconvertible top of the present invention being articulated to its foldedstorage position with the pliable covering in place;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating theconvertible top being articulated to its folded storage position withthe pliable covering removed and the front panel elevated;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating theconvertible top of the present invention in a lowered storage positionwith a portion of the convertible top acting as a cover that concealsthe convertible top within the rear passenger compartment;

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the centrallongitudinal axis of the vehicle illustrating the convertible toplinkage assembly of the present invention in a raised operative positionand further illustrating portions of the vehicle and the panels, therebyshowing the positions of the linkage assembly with respect thereto;

FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic view of the present invention illustrating thelocations of the panels as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating thelinkage assembly articulating the panels into a folded position inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic view of the present invention illustrating thelocations of the panels as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6 illustratingthe convertible top linkage assembly of the present in a lowered storageposition;

FIG. 7A is a diagrammatic view of the present invention illustrating thelocations of the panels as shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the interior ceiling portionof the convertible top of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along section 9--9 in FIG. 8,illustrating the stabilizer bar with the front and rear panels in araised operative position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, the preferredembodiment of the convertible top 10 of the present invention is shown.In this embodiment, the convertible top 10 is employed by an automotivevehicle 12 having both front 14 and rear 16 passenger compartments. Theconvertible top 10 is shown in a raised operative position and is of thetype utilizing a linkage assembly 18 and a pliable cover 20, along witha front rigid panel 22, a rear rigid panel 24 and a back light panel 26.Back light panel 26 is simply attached to the pliable covering 20stretched over the rigid panels 22 and 24. It is not pivotally connectedto the linkage assembly 18. Rather, this panel 26 is held in place bythe tension of the pliable covering 20 and the support of the rear panelmember 24. Thus, the back light 24 can be made of either a rigidmaterial, such as glass, as shown, or a pliable material (not shown).

As best illustrated by viewing FIGS. 1 through 4 and 5 through 7sequentially, as the convertible top 10 is lowered, the linkage assembly18 articulates the panels 22, 24 and 26 into a folded position andlowers them into the rear passenger compartment 16. The front rigidpanel 22, which acts as a cover when lowered, is articulated to aposition over the rear passenger compartment 16, thereby concealing boththe rear passenger compartment 16 and the convertible top 10 therein.The beauty of this embodiment is that only minimal changes are necessaryto adapt a stock, hardtop vehicle to accommodate it. As shown in FIGS.1-4, a dedicated tonneau storage space is unnecessary since the rearpassenger compartment 16 is utilized. With the rear passengercompartment 16 serving as the storage space, the trunk, rear suspensionand rear seats do not have to be modified. Thus, many vehicles oncethought to be impractical as convertible models can now can be adaptedto the convertible top of the present invention.

For example, vehicles utilizing a unibody construction or a space frameconstruction are generally not cost effective for conventionalconvertible top designs due to space requirements for the rearsuspension. However, since the present invention does not require anadditional storage space, these types of vehicles can now be effectivelyadapted to this design. Despite the loss of the rear passengercompartment during operation in the convertible mode, vehicles can beadapted without completely sacrificing passenger space and withoutsacrificing any trunk space or suspension component space. Moreover,this design still provides for front and rear passenger seating with theconvertible top in a raised operative position.

In addition to the present invention being readily adaptable tootherwise unadaptable vehicles, this design provides a number of othernovel features. Most notably, even though the rear passenger space 16 islost with the top 10 down, the vehicle 12 is attractively converted froma traditional "four seater" coupe, as shown in FIG. 1, to a "two seater"roadster, as shown in FIG. 4. The rigid front panel 22 is preferablyinjection molded or blow molded, however, such panels may bemanufactured by other means such as by stamping or the like.Accordingly, these panels 22 and 24 are readily contoured to provide asmooth continuous exterior surface for the vehicle 12 in both raised andlowered positions.

Although a conventional pliable fabric covering can be utilized withoutthe rigid panels, the rigid panels 22 and 24 allow for a sculptedeffect, yielding a sporty aerodynamic look to the roadster. Moreover,these rigid panels 22 and 24 provide additional surface area to supportthe covering. Therefore, panels more readily accommodate a pliablecovering 20 made from nylon, vinyl or the like that have show surfacessimilar to the body panels of the vehicle 12. Alternatively, the panels22 and 24 themselves can provide a show surface that matches the vehiclebody panels, including a textured surface 28 for interior and/orexterior show surfaces as shown in FIG. 8.

The rigid panels 22 and 24 also provide structure to the convertible top10 not found in conventional tops that utilize a series of bows and apliable fabric cover. Besides the ability to precisely contour the top10 in three dimensions, this added structure generally insulates thepassenger compartment from both wind noise and the external environment,while preventing the wear associated with traditional convertible tops.This structure also provides rigidity to the convertible top 10,enabling it to support components such as conventional dome lights 30,overhead console panels 32, sun roofs 34, and the like, as shown in FIG.8. Furthermore, the structure simplifies the attachment of weatherstripping 36 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

As can be seen from FIGS. 5 through 7 and 5A through 7A, the convertibletop 10 of the present invention utilizes a unique, yet uncomplicated,linkage system 18 to articulate the panels 22 and 24 of the preferredembodiment. The front and rear panel members 22 and 24 are coupled tothe vehicle 12 by a pair of identical balance links 38 and main links 40on both the driver's side and passenger's side of the vehicle 12. Oneend of both links 38 and 40 is pivotally coupled to the front panelmember 22 at pivot points 42 and 44, while the opposite ends of theselinks 38 and 40 are pivotally coupled to the vehicle at pivot points 46and 48. The rear panel member 24 is pivotally coupled to intermediateportions 50 and 52 of both the balance links 38 and the main links 40 atpivot points 54 and 56 via a reinforcing member 58. This reinforcingmember 58 extends transversely across the vehicle 12 and supports therear panel 24 as shown in FIGS. 5A-7A. Pivot points 42, 44, 46, 48, 54and 56 are preferably parallel to one another and parallel to ahorizontal transverse axis of the vehicle 12.

As best illustrated by viewing FIGS. 5 through 7 and 5A through 7Asequentially, this linkage assembly 18 permits the convertible top 10 tobe articulated into a compact, folded storage position. As theconvertible top 10 is pivoted rearward from its raised operativeposition, the rear panel 24 folds downwardly away from the pliablecovering 20. Since the covering 20 is affixed to the front panel 22 andnot the rear panel 24, the back light 26 collapses into the rearpassenger compartment 16, as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 6A. The rear panelmember 24, on the other hand, is precisely articulated into the rearpassenger compartment 16. This articulation is controlled by a cammingmember 60 attached to the balance link 38, as shown in FIGS. 5 through7. Controlling the articulation of a convertible top through the use ofcamming members is more fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,852issued to Alexander et al. on Nov. 10, 1992.

As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the reinforcing member 58 for the rearpanel member 24 is pivotally coupled to an intermediate portion 52 ofthe main link at 56 and to a camming slot 62 defined by an intermediateportion 50 of the balance link at 54. The camming slot 62 is shaped suchthat as the convertible top 10 is articulated from its raised positionto a lowered position, the rear panel 24 is articulated in a controlledmanner. In other words, as the rear panel 24 pivots about its pivotalcoupling 56 to the main link 10, the pivotal coupling 54 between therear panel 24 and the camming slot 62 causes the rear panel 24 to followthe path of the slot 62. Accordingly, the rear panel member 24 isefficiently articulated within the rear passenger compartment 16 to afolded position as shown in FIG. 4. A rear quarter window 63, that ispreferably rigidly affixed to the main link 40, is articulated alongwith the linkage assembly 18 into the rear passenger compartment 16.

As best shown in FIGS. 5, 5A, 6 and 6A, the front panel member 22 ispivotally coupled to the distal ends of both the main link 40 and thebalance link 38 at 42 and 44. As the convertible top 10 is urgedrearwardly, such that the rear panel member 24 and the back light 26drop into the rear passenger compartment 16, the front panel member 22moves rearward and downward. When completely lowered, the front panel 22is positioned over the rear passenger compartment 16 and package shelfarea, acting as a cover for the stored convertible top 10. As shown inthe embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the convertible vehicle 12 is therebyconverted from a four-passenger coupe to a two-passenger roadster.

Note, the convertible top 10 of the present invention also lends itselfto being stored in a traditional, dedicated tonneau space (not shown).As with the preferred embodiment, a portion of the convertible top 10can be utilized as a cover, thereby eliminating the need for a separateboot or cover (not shown). In either case, when the convertible top 10is in its lowered storage position, it is preferably held in place byadjustable stops 64 and 66. As best shown in FIG. 7, these adjustablestops 64 and 66 prevent the links 38 and 40 from articulating further ina downward direction. Thereafter, the convertible top 10 can be securedto the vehicle 12 with conventional latching means (not shown).

In order to stabilize the convertible top 10 as it is articulatingbetween its raised and lowered positions, a stabilizing member 68extends between the main links 40, transversely across the vehicle 12.This adds stability to the linkage assembly 18 by ensuring that alllinks, on both the passenger side of the vehicle and the driver's sideof the vehicle, articulate together. When in a raised position, thisstabilizer bar 68 is neatly concealed by portions of both the rear panel24 and the front panel 22 and may abutt and support portions of bothpanels 22 and 24. As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the stabilizer bar 68is sandwiched between a rearward portion of the front panel 22 thatoverlaps a forward portion of the rear panel 24. Thus, the stabilizerbar 68 is undetectable from the interior of the vehicle 12.

In operation, the preferred convertible top 10 of the present inventioncan be manually or automatically lowered from its raised operativeposition as follows. An operator releases the convertible top 10 fromits latched position by grasping the latch handle 70, shown in FIG. 8,and unlatching it from the header portion 72 of the windshield. Latchhandle 70, located substantially above the driver's seat, controls aconventional latching mechanism (not shown). Accordingly, the driver ofthe vehicle 12 can conveniently release the latch from either thedriver's seat or from outside the vehicle 12, through the driver's doorwindow. Once unlatched, the roof is simply urged rearward, causing thepanels 22 and 24 to articulate into a folded position. If the top ismanually operated, as shown in FIG. 8, a gas cylinder 74 can be used toassist the lowering of the top. Otherwise, a convention actuator (notshown) can be used in place of the cylinder 74 to automatically raiseand lower the top. In any event, as the convertible top 10 continues tobe urged rearwardly, the folded convertible top 10 lowers into a storageposition within the rear passenger compartment 16. The convertible top10 is completely lowered when the adjustable stops 64 and 66 areengaged.

In short, the convertible top 10 of the present invention provides theunique ability to function as a convertible top in its raised operativeposition and to function as a tonneau cover in its lowered storageposition. Moreover, the preferred embodiment of the present invention isdesigned to store in the rear passenger compartment 16 of a vehicle 12such that the need for a dedicated tonneau or storage space can beeliminated. As such, when the convertible top 10 is in a raisedposition, this particular vehicle 12 has the appearance of a four-seatcoupe. On the other hand, when the convertible top 10 is in its loweredposition, the vehicle 12 has the appearance of a two-door roadster.Accordingly, the present invention has compensated for a number ofdisadvantages found in conventional convertible tops by creating aunique top that enhances both the looks and utility of the vehicle.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplaryembodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art willreadily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanyingdrawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variationscan be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A convertible top for an automotive vehicle having a bodyportion, said convertible top comprising a roof for covering a passengercompartment when in a raised operative position, said roof beingcollapsible to a storage position within a storage compartment forwardof a trunk of said automotive vehicle, an external surface of said roofproviding a cover for said storage compartment when said convertible topis in said storage position, and a front edge of said roof beingdisposed immediately behind a front passenger seat when said roof is insaid storage position, wherein said external surface is substantiallyflush with an adjacent portion of said body of said automotive vehiclewhen said convertible top is in said storage position.
 2. Theconvertible top of claim 1 further comprising a dome light, said roofhaving a rigid panel, said rigid panel being substantially horizontalwhen in said raised position, wherein said roof panel provides structurefor attaching said dome light to said convertible top.
 3. Theconvertible top of claim 1 further comprising at least a forward portionof said roof having an uncovered and textured exterior show surface whenin said raised position.
 4. The convertible top of claim 1 furthercomprising an overhead console, and a fabric covered panel providingstructure for attaching said overhead console to said convertible top.5. The convertible top of claim 1 further comprising a rigid, glass backlight secured to said roof.
 6. The convertible top of claim 1 furthercomprising a rigid and substantially horizontal panel covered by apliable covering material.
 7. The convertible top of claim 1 wherein atleast a substantially horizontal portion of said roof is made ofrelatively rigid plastic.
 8. The convertible top of claim 1 furthercomprising a rigid, glass back window attached to said roof, said backwindow being stored within said storage compartment between said frontseat and said trunk when said roof is collapsed.
 9. The convertible topof claim 1 further comprising a pair or balance links each having afirst end pivotably coupled to a front portion of said roof and havingan opposite second end pivotably coupled to said vehicle.
 10. Aconvertible top for an automotive vehicle, said convertible topcomprising a fabric covered roof for covering portions of a passengercompartment when in a raised operative position, said roof beingcollapsible to a storage position within a storage compartment between afront seat and a trunk, at least a portion of said roof providing acover for said storage compartment when said convertible top is in saidstorage position, and a front edge of said roof disposed immediatelybehind a front passenger seat when said roof is in said storageposition.
 11. The convertible top of claim 10 wherein said portion ofsaid roof is disposed in a substantially horizontal position with anexterior surface viewable from outside of said vehicle when said roof isin said storage position.
 12. The convertible top of claim 10 furthercomprising a rigid, glass back window attached to said roof, said backwindow being stored within said storage compartment between said frontseat and said truck when said roof is collapsed.
 13. The convertible topof claim 10 further comprising a pair of balance links each having afirst end pivotably coupled to a front portions of said roof and havingan opposite second end pivotably coupled to said vehicle.
 14. Theconvertible top claim 10 further comprising a manually pivoted latch andlatch handle mounted to said roof, said latch being fastenable to awindshield header of said vehicle.
 15. An apparatus for an automotivevehicle having a body, said apparatus comprising:a trunk compartment; afirst compartment of said body disposed forward of said trunkcompartment, a front passenger seat located within said firstcompartment; a second compartment disposed between said trunkcompartment and said first compartment; a fabric covered convertible topmovable from a raised position covering said first compartment to astorage position longitudinally disposed in said second compartmentwithout intrusion into said trunk compartment, a first portion of saidconvertible top stored in a substantially horizontal plane and having anexternal surface, said first portion being externally visible fromoutside of said vehicle when said convertible top is in said storageposition, said external surface being substantially flush with anadjacent portion of said body of said automotive vehicle when saidconvertible top is in said storage position; a back window fastened to asecond portion of said convertible top, said back window being entirelydisposed within said second compartment when said convertible top is insaid storage position; and a pair of balance links each having a firstend pivotally coupled to said first portion of said convertible top andhaving an opposite second end pivotally coupled to said vehicle.
 16. Anautomotive vehicle having a convertible top, said vehicle comprising:apassenger compartment having a seat; a trunk lid covering a trunk; astorage compartment disposed between said seat and said trunk; a fabriccovered roof for covering portions of said passenger compartment when ina raised operative position, said roof being collapsible to a storageposition within said storage compartment; at least a portion of saidroof providing a cover for said storage compartment when saidconvertible top is in said storage position; and an external surface ofsaid roof substantially flush with a substantially horizontal portion ofsaid trunk lid when said convertible top is in said storage position.